Common Signs of Alcoholism

Feeling forced to stand idly by while a loved one destroys his or her life due to alcohol abuse can be devastating. You have considered broaching the subject of alcohol rehab many times, but always talk yourself out of it, possibly because you are so upset that you believe you could just be dreaming it all up. However, it is more than likely that your spouse, family member or friend desperately needs your help. To help you determine the truth for good, here are four common signs of alcoholism.

Resorting to Alcohol to Lighten the Mood

While enjoying the occasional glass of wine on a pleasant evening or knocking back a cold beer or two during the big game is nothing to worry about. Pulling out the vodka when exams go poorly, or the promotion did not come, is a clear-cut sign of alcohol abuse. As most dependents find soon enough, the raising of spirits that alcohol consumption can induce is only temporary. Alcohol is a depressant, and every high must be followed by a low, including brooding, withdrawing from social situations and unusual or even violent behavior. Drinking, in other words, solves nothing.

Red-Face

A flushed complexion, a physical sign of chronic alcoholism, is caused the breaking of capillaries on the face. Rosy cheeks or angry, burst blood vessels branching out to cover every facial surface, no matter the degree, can indicate alcohol abuse. This damage is caused by the bloodstream’s constant saturation with alcohol and can also wreak havoc on localized blood vessels throughout the body.

Secret-Keeping or Being Caught in a Bald-Faced Lie

Often, alcohol abusers will attempt to keep their habits secret as best as they can, even at the cost of lying to spouses, family and friends. The lie itself is an indication of serious problems, as we don’t tend to lie if we are comfortable with the truth. This brushing aside of reality can result in the deterioration of familial ties and friendships. Addiction can grip someone so tightly that they lash out at the very people who want nothing more than to help.

Blackouts and Memory Loss

Has your loved one ever recounted a story of the previous night, admitting that some of the details were fuzzy or that there was a significant gap in his or her recollection? High blood-alcohol levels can lead to a failure to remember even large blocks of time due to inhibited brain function. The more frequently such gaps occur, the greater the potential for long-term memory loss. The damage caused by alcohol abuse can lead to irreversible brain damage.

This list of common signs is far from comprehensive. Your loved one may also have trouble sleeping, seem withdrawn, be unable to quit drinking (even in the morning) or deny even having an alcohol abuse problem. He or she may also feel compelled to drink just to “fit in.” In any case, there is help available to those seeking alcohol addiction treatment, whether for themselves, a spouse, family member or friend. South Coast Counseling’s rehab center offers compassionate, expert inpatient alcohol treatment designed to promote a lasting recovery. Reach out to us today and let us help you help your loved one through this emotional time.

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